"We will not be deterred by Ilyas Kashmiri's warnings," says Chidambaram

Jammu, Feb 17: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said India would not be deterred by warnings issued by Al Qaeda leader Ilyas Kashmiri to international sportspersons against visiting India.

Chidambaram said security would be provided to players participating in the Hockey World Cup, the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the 2010 Commonwealth Games in October.

Chidambaram's statement came a day after Ilyas Kashmiri warned sportspersons against visiting India.

On Tuesday in an email sent to a Hong Kong-based online news portal Kashmiri had said: "We warn the international community not to send their people to the 2010 Hockey World Cup, IPL and Commonwealth Games. Nor should their people visit India and if they do, they will be responsible for the consequences."

Meanwhile, the Centre has decided to deploy 200 commandos especially skilled in sharp shooting on man high-rise buildings around the world cup venue-National Stadium.

The players will be given a three-tier security during their stay in hotels and will be provided bullet-proof vehicles for their transportation.

As many as 10 companies of central police forces will be deployed in the city during the Hockey World Cup from February 28 to March 13.

Over 400 players from 10 countries are expected to take part in the Hockey World Cup.

The last hockey World Cup in India was held in 1982 in Mumbai, where Pakistan beat West Germany in the final.

ANI